The smock, handwoven from locally spun cotton, originates from Northern Ghana, where Mahama comes from, was misidentified by some Zambians as a blouse, sparking online commentary and mockery.

However, the smock carries deep cultural and historical significance that extends beyond fashion.

The duo was arrested after a cleaner reported strange noises, prompting an investigation. Authorities said they were caught with a live chameleon and several items described as “assorted charms” — including a red cloth, white powder of unknown origin, and an animal’s tail.

“The motive of the crime was to kill the head of state,” magistrate Fine Mayambu said during the court ruling in Lusaka. “The convicts were not only enemies of the head of state but all Zambians.” Both men received a two-year prison sentence with hard labour.

The prosecution claimed they were hired by the brother of opposition MP Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, who is currently on trial for robbery, attempted murder, and escaping from custody.

Witchcraft accusations are not new in Zambian politics. In the ongoing dispute over the burial of former President Edgar Lungu, rumours have circulated that President Hichilema planned to use Lungu’s body for occult rituals. Lungu, aged 68, died in June while receiving medical treatment in South Africa. His death has sparked a disagreement between the government — which wants to bring his body home for a state burial — and his family, who wish to keep the body abroad.

Across Africa, witchcraft allegations can lead to violence or worse. Just two months ago in Burundi, six people were killed after being accused of practising witchcraft.

Belief in witchcraft remains strong in parts of Africa. A 2022 Afrobarometer survey showed that many Malawians not only believe in witchcraft but also support laws to criminalise it.

In Ghana, controversy erupted after a bill passed by parliament in 2023 to criminalise attacks on alleged witches was blocked by then-president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. 

Many victims have been forced to live in camps for safety. Amnesty International reported that over 500 individuals accused of witchcraft were living in camps in northern Ghana as of April 2024.

In South Africa, the law takes a different stance. The Witchcraft Suppression Act, introduced in 1957 and amended in 1970, makes it illegal to claim supernatural powers or to accuse others of witchcraft in ways that cause harm.

Investigators say the men were hired by Nelson Banda, the younger brother of former independent lawmaker Emmanuel Banda who allegedly paid them to harm the president using traditional charms and spells.

Local reports indicate that during a court session in Lusaka, four witnesses testified that the men had charms in a rented house.

Immigration officer George Mwale said Candunde admitted that Banda had hired them.

“He said he was recruited through Banda’s brother to use witchcraft against the president,” Mwale told the court .

Police say they found a live chameleon in a sealed bottle, 14 empty bottles with traditional medicine , an animal tail, and unknown powdered substances. Phiri admitted that some of the items belonged to him but denied using them for witchcraft. The suspects insisted they had legal documents allowing them to possess the items.

Authorities initially said the men were promised 2 million Zambian kwacha ($7,000) for the job, but the court later heard the real offer was 43 million kwacha.

Phiri and Candunde face charges of claiming to have knowledge of witchcraft, possessing charms, and cruelty to wild animals. The trial will continue on February 26.

On December 17, 2024, Zambia made a significant move at the UN General Assembly by voting in favour of a temporary ban on the death penalty. This vote, which saw 130 in favour, 32 against, and 22 abstentions, marks Zambia's first support for the resolution since its inception in 2007. Justice Minister Princess Kasune represented the nation, emphasising the need to align international commitments with domestic laws while highlighting the improvements in Zambia's human rights record.  

Open-heart surgeries for children with congenital heart defects

The Israeli organisation Save a Child’s Heart conducted a mission in Zambia to provide treatment for children with congenital heart defects. An international team, including medical professionals from Israel, Tanzania, and Zambia, performed open-heart surgeries and catheterisation for 25 affected children, emphasising training for local medical staff. Since its beginning in 2017, the programme has treated over 100 children and fostered the development of local cardiac care expertise. Dr. Lior Sasson from Wolfson Medical Centre noted the mission's role in empowering local doctors, while Israeli Ambassador Ofra Farhi hailed the initiative as a mark of international cooperation.  

Visa waiver for nationals from 53 countries 

The Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) chairman, Yousuf Zumla, commended the government's recent decision to waive visa requirements for nationals from 53 countries, including Argentina, Turkey, and Ukraine. This policy shift is anticipated to enhance tourist inflows significantly, which could boost Zambia's economy and promote international exchange.  

$100 million World Bank financing package

The World Bank has approved a financing package of $100 million aimed at enhancing Zambia's climate and economic resilience. This includes $25 million allocated for regular Development Policy Financing (DPF) and $75 million designated as a Catastrophe Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) for emergency funding in response to national disasters. This initiative intends to bolster Zambia's disaster management capacities, improve social protection systems, and promote strategies for climate adaptation, especially within the water sector.  

Witchcraft attempt against President Hakainde Hichilema  

Zambian authorities arrested two individuals, one from Mozambique and another Zambian chief, for allegedly attempting to use witchcraft against President Hakainde Hichilema. In possession of various charms, including a live chameleon, the suspects are accused of being witch doctors allegedly hired by a relative of an opposition MP facing severe criminal charges. They will be charged with animal cruelty and are set to appear in court shortly.

Zambia has officially joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as its 56th member. This entry not only positions Zambia as the 12th African nation within this organisation but also opens avenues for better policy design and enhanced economic growth driven by necessary reforms. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba during a high-level meeting in Paris, highlighting the potential for collaborative economic strategies that the membership entails.

Bilateral debt restructuring agreement with France

Zambia has entered into a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with France, crucial for managing its estimated $13 billion external debt, which had escalated following a default in 2020. Zambian Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane heralded this accord as a landmark achievement, representing the first arrangement under the G20’s Common Framework for debt restructuring. The deal is poised to extend the maturity of Zambia’s debt by an average of 12 years, alongside stipulating interest rates of 1% for the next 14 years, subsequently increasing to a maximum of 2.5%. 

$80 million erroneous payment to China

Zambia is actively managing an $80 million erroneous payment made by its power utility, Zesco Ltd., to China as it finalises its debt restructuring agreements. This payment arose from revenues linked to a securitised account for a power plant funded by Chinese enterprises. According to Treasury Secretary Felix Nkulukusa, there is a proposal to treat this payment as an advance against interest on Zambia’s debt obligations to China. While Zambia has initiated a memorandum of understanding with its official creditor committee, it has yet to finalise agreements, which has hindered the resumption of payments. 

$97 million green bond 

Zambia’s Copperbelt Energy Corp. (CEC) has launched a $97 million green bond aimed at furthering the Itimpi Solar Project's expansion. This initiative will bolster the project’s capacity by an additional 136 megawatts, reaching a total capacity of 250 megawatts by next year. The bond, facilitated by Stanbic Bank Zambia, is a segment of a larger $200 million green bond initiative with significant backing from investors such as ZCCM Investments Holdings and the Dutch development bank FMO. CEC plays a pivotal role in supplying power to Zambian copper mines and also exports electricity to the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

Court rules former President Lungu ineligible to contest in 2026 elections

Zambia’s Constitutional Court has ruled that former President Edgar Lungu is ineligible to contest in the 2026 elections, following a determination that he has exhausted the permissible two-term limit. The court clarified that his presidency, which commenced in 2015 upon the passing of President Michael Sata, constituted a full term, in addition to his elected term from 2016 to 2021. Lungu's announcement of a potential political comeback and his intention to challenge the incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema had drawn considerable attention, making this ruling a noteworthy event in Zambia's political landscape.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Zambia, paving the way for the country to access $185 million from Special Drawing Rights, contingent upon approval from the IMF management and Executive Boards. This agreement stems from extensive negotiations concerning the Extended Credit Facility and underscores the Zambian government's dedication to implementing sound macroeconomic policies amidst challenges such as drought. IMF Chief of Mission Mercedes Vera Martin noted that Zambia’s medium-term growth is projected at 6.2% by 2025, buoyed by rebounds in crucial sectors and ongoing reforms. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has reiterated that this agreement demonstrates international confidence in the country’s economic strategies. 

Travel ban on South African opposition Malema lifted

Zambia has lifted a travel ban that previously restricted South African opposition leader Julius Malema from visiting. This ban, instituted by former President Edgar Lungu due to Malema's support for the current President Hakainde Hichilema, was rescinded as Hichilema emphasised African unity during the inauguration of Botswana's president Duma Boko.

Former president Lungu makes official political return

Former President Edgar Lungu has proclaimed his return to active politics, vowing to champion constitutional democracy and unify opposition forces ahead of the upcoming 2026 elections. Lungu has publicly reproached the current United Party for National Development (UPND) administration for its handling of economic matters and has called for collective efforts among political entities, civil society, and the citizenry to tackle Zambia’s pressing challenges. 

Decline in TB deaths among persons living with HIV

Zambia has witnessed a decline in tuberculosis (TB) deaths among individuals living with HIV, attributed to a substantial escalation in tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT). Following a high prevalence of HIV-associated TB in 2018, the Zambian government prioritised TPT as part of its objective to eliminate TB by 2030. By the end of 2022, TPT coverage skyrocketed from 8% to 90%, with over 1.1 million individuals commencing treatment, leading to a remarkable 50% reduction in rates of HIV-associated TB. 

Improvements in eye care services

Zambia’s health minister Elijah Muchima has reported notable improvements in eye care services in the country. The minister said that the enhancement of local services has contributed to a decline in the number of Zambians travelling abroad for eye care. According to eye specialist Dr David Kasongole from Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, there are over 970,000 people living in Zambia who suffer from visual impairment.

At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, Zambia was elected Vice-Chair of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG). The initiative aims to monitor breaches in democratic principles among its 56 member nations, with Foreign Affairs Minister Mulambo Haimbe leading these efforts. CMAG, established in 1995, plays a crucial role in championing human rights and constitutional governance. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasised the significance of CMAG in safeguarding democracy and civil liberties within the Commonwealth community. 

Zambian footballers killed in bus crash

Zambia is mourning the loss of seven players from Chavuma Town Council FC in north-western Zambia who perished in a bus accident while en route to a league match. This incident has drawn expressions of deep shock from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), which is currently liaising with the authorities for further information. In addition to the fatalities, twelve other individuals were injured, five of whom require treatment in Lusaka. Condolences and support for the affected families and the injured have been extended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Artur de Almeida e Silva, head of the Southern African Regional Football Associations. 

Zambia and Malawi to develop Kenya fuel import strategy

Malawi and Zambia are developing a fuel import strategy inspired by Kenya's procurement model. This strategy permits direct procurement of petroleum products from Gulf producers, bypassing the Open Tender System. A government-to-government agreement, successfully established with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, allows selected Gulf state-owned firms to designate oil marketing companies for distribution in Kenya. Energy officials from Malawi have sought advice from their Kenyan counterparts to devise a similar arrangement. A technical team from Kenya has been appointed to support Malawi in comprehending the deal's framework and the challenges it presents. 

Over 800 prisoners pardoned on Independence Day celebration

On the occasion of Zambia’s 60th Independence Day, President Hakainde Hichilema granted pardons to 859 prisoners. This decision included 840 ordinary inmates, along with nine elderly individuals, seven women with children, and three foreign nationals. In his commemoration efforts, Hichilema laid wreaths at the graves of liberation leader Kenneth Kaunda and the Freedom Statue in Lusaka. He engaged in an investiture ceremony and urged citizens to confront pressing national challenges, including climate change, poverty, and corruption. 

Zambian president dismisses constitutional court judges

President Hakainde Hichilema made headlines by dismissing three constitutional court judges, which has raised concerns regarding potential judicial interference. This action followed a recommendation by a judicial commission concerning alleged misconduct tied to a 2016 ruling that benefitted his political opponent, Edgar Lungu. Critics, including human rights advocates, have raised alarms about the timing of the dismissals, particularly with the upcoming 2026 elections on the horizon, suggesting a possible motive aligned with Hichilema’s political strategy. While a former vice president has defended the firings as a necessary oversight, Lungu’s legal representative has condemned the action as illegal, insisting that the executive branch should not rectify judicial rulings. Government officials maintain that the president's actions were legally justified, referencing constitutional authority to dismiss judges in response to commission recommendations.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is accused of using lawfare to weaken opposition and secure re-election. He has targeted opposition leaders through the courts and manipulated the judiciary, parliament, electoral commission, and civil service to consolidate his power. According to Mail and Guardian , this includes arrests of opposition leaders, suppressing the right to protest, and skewing appointments in his favour. Critics argue that Hichilema is undermining democracy and human rights.

Railway museum shines light on Jewish history

The Gateway Jewish Museum in Zambia sheds light on the country's rich Jewish history. At its peak, there were about 1,200 Jews in Zambia, but today there are only 11. Despite their small numbers, they had a significant impact on the country's commercial, political, and intellectual life. The Jewish community in Zambia had open and equitable relations with Africans and made important contributions to the nation's development. The museum and a medical school in Ndola, funded by the Council of Zambian Jewry, serve as a tribute to the Jewish heritage in Zambia. The Jerusalem Post reports that Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft of the African Jewish Congress oversees the needs and heritage of the remaining Jewish community in Zambia.

Woman raises funds for children with sponsored 7200-mile walk

Maxine Stevens, a woman from Basingstoke, southern England is organising a sponsored 7,200-mile virtual walk to raise money for a school in Livingstone, Zambia, where she has supported a young man for 25 years. Self-employed Maxine who runs a holistic therapy business visited Zambia in the early 2000s and ended up sponsoring a five-year-old boy called Paul Kamwi.The funds raised will go towards providing a reliable water source and a safe play area for the schoolchildren. Gazette adds that the virtual event, open to all, will take place from July to September, with participants walking, running, swimming, or cycling the distance. To donate or take part in the fundraising events, email priderockschoolzambia@gmail.com or visit the GoFundMe page.

Ending gender-based violence

In Zambia, gender-based violence (GBV) increases the risk of HIV infection for women. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supports training healthcare workers to identify and respond to GBV. This has led to a decrease in HIV-positive tests for survivors of GBV. Health centres also enlist survivors to address harmful social norms in the community. This support has rekindled Queen, a gender-based violence survivor's dream of becoming a nurse and has given her hope for the future, Share America reports .

Mineral investment

Zambia is poised to create a dedicated organization focused on mineral investment and trade, aiming to maximize profits from its abundant natural resources. This initiative received the green light from the Cabinet on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. As Africa's second-leading copper producer, Zambia plans to launch a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through ZCCM Investment Holdings, which currently holds various mining assets, to facilitate investment and trading activities, reports Zawya .

The survey for the magazine's 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards ran from July 15, 2023, to March 8, 2024, with open-ended questions sent via email and included as questionnaires inserted in subscriber copies.

In reaction to the win, Laurie Burr, Complex General Manager at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, just a stone's throw from Victoria Falls said "Being recognised as Africa’s top leisure destination is a significant achievement for Zambia. This accolade not only highlights our country’s breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture but also underscores the hard work and commitment of everyone in the Zambian hospitality industry. This honour will undoubtedly boost tourism, providing a substantial contribution to our economy and fostering sustainable growth for our communities. We are proud to be part of this thriving sector and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the wonders of Zambia.”

"Congratulations to the winners of Global Traveller’s 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Everyone looks forward to leisure travel and to be a provider that goes above and beyond for that subset consistently is a true testament to a brand. Our readers know the best of the best in the travel industry, so this winners’ list is undoubtedly a guide to planning your next trip. Congratulations, winners — these accolades are well-deserved,” said Francis X. Gallagher, CEO of FXExpress Publications.

Zambia is renowned for its iconic sites such as Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, numerous parks, and many safari areas that captivate the adventurous spirit of travellers.

Despite all these incredible sceneries that set the nation apart from other Southern African countries, citizens are currently experiencing harsh drought conditions, the worst in 20 years.

Many countries in Southern Africa, including Zambia, are experiencing the severe impacts of El Niño and La Niña. These phenomena have destroyed numerous crops and caused unbearable hot temperatures in the country.

According to Reena Ghelani , the U.N. assistant secretary-general, and climate crisis coordinator for the El Niño and La Niña response, "There’s not going to be food on the table for many families, and they are not going to be able to purchase,” she said. “So we need to respond swiftly with assistance today. This might become the new normal so we need to prepare, as the president has said, for the future.”

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has urged all Southern African countries to collaborate in addressing food insecurity and the crisis in drought-affected nations.

“Unless we collectively utilise our resource endowments to support deficit areas, our regional economies will suffer, and our economic gains could be reversed due to this humanitarian crisis,” he wrote on Facebook.

KoBold Metals, a pioneering exploration company based in California backed by billionaires including  Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos in joint partnership with the Zambia government made the discovery.

"Mingomba will be one of the world's biggest high-grade large copper mines. It is Kakula scale in size and grade. And the core of it is >5% copper," Goldman said in a statement shared by KoBold Metals social media account on X.

Goldman said the $2 billion mine project will be constructed at its Mingomba project faster and ahead of schedule compared to the initial ten-year projection. The decision to fast-track the project is intended to meet the fast-growing demand for the critical metals and will commence as early as 2027, local media Lusaka Times reported.

“And what they discovered is quite phenomenal. There’s a lot that we as Zambians can look forward to in terms of the announcement of the mine development which should be coming on stream. Their CEO has confirmed that that is something that will come to fruition,” special assistant to the Zambian president on economic, investment and development affairs Jito Kayumba said in a video posted on social media site X on February 5.

Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer, following the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The discovery comes at a time when there’s a global transition to clean energy and electric batteries, prompting the United States and other developed nations to seek alternative sources of copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel all of which are abundant in Zambia.

President Hichilema, in his end-of-year press conference, had previously announced the discovery of large lithium deposits in Southern Province.

The largest copper deposits ever recorded in Zambia's mining history have been discovered, promising economic contributions and improved livelihoods for its citizens. Spearheaded by KoBold Metals of California, with backing from billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, the project aims to forge partnerships and go public within three to four years, reports local media Mwebantu . This discovery coincides with the global quest for alternative copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel sources, aligning with the shift towards clean energy and electric batteries. 

Employment of Cholera volunteer workers

President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed the Ministry of Health to hire all cholera volunteer health workers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of their database to ensure deserving individuals are not overlooked, local media Zambian Politics reported. Following a visit to the Heroes Stadium Cholera Centre in Lusaka, President Hichilema stressed that any alterations to the list of volunteers should not occur, warning against changes starting from that evening. He expressed determination to implement measures, including possible demolition of structures, to eradicate cholera.

SADC Cholera Champion

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has appointed President Hakainde Hichilema as the regional cholera champion to lead the fight against the waterborne disease in the area. This decision was announced during a virtual summit of SADC heads of State and Government focused on addressing the cholera situation in the region, reports local media Mwebantu . The summit endorsed recommendations from Health Ministers on measures to combat cholera outbreaks, including the development and implementation of multispectral cholera response plans to control its spread.

Combatting drug trafficking

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has seized over 5 tons of cannabis and various narcotics in a series of drug trafficking targeted raids across the country. According to DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga, operations in the northwestern province led to the arrest of two individuals, Rodwell Kamboro and Lemon Kamboro, charged with unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis weighing 3.12 tonnes. In the Northern Province, the Commission seized over 1 tonne of fresh cannabis plants and 6 kilograms of loose cannabis, resulting in the arrest of 8 suspects scheduled to appear in court soon, reports local media Zambian Politics .

Lungu mourns Namibia’s President

Zambia's sixth president, Edgar Lungu has expressed sadness over the passing of Namibian President Hage Geingob, calling it a significant loss for both Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Lungu, who himself came into office after the death of President Sata, described Geingob as the last independent leader. Lungu reflected on their fraternal relationship, which began when both leaders assumed office in 2015, and praised Geingob's dedication to Pan-Africanism and liberation struggles, local media Zambian Eye reported. He mourned the loss of such influential figures and urged African leaders to uphold the late Namibia President's legacy of unity and Pan-African values.

The Government of Zambia has said that there has been progress in efforts to rescue over 30 miners trapped inside a mine in Chingola, the Copperbelt Province of Zambia on November 30. The Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo told reporters that rescue workers have pumped out water from the tunnel which was filled up. “We want to assure the nation that the government has mobilized all equipment needed to search for bodies believed to be trapped in the pit. So far Five excavators are on the ground trying to secure the holes where the persons are believed to be, a front loader and enough manpower ready to secure the holes. So far we have managed to pump out water then take out the mud before the search commences,” Matambo is quoted by local media the Lusaka Times .

Scottish investment

The Scottish Government will fund clean and reliable energy in Zambia, Rwanda and Malawi, Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf announced at COP28. The First Minister said that Scotland will support two initiatives that will provide clean and affordable energy. “Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda are key partner countries for Scotland’s international development efforts. As a country that has long benefitted from the industrialisation which has contributed to the current climate crisis, it is only right that Scotland contributes its fair share to support countries that have been disproportionately impacted by its consequences, and ensure we can meet the aims of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals together,” he said in a statement .

Lungu addresses Zambian democracy

Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu delivered a speech to address the democratic state in the country on December 1. "I said it on October 28 and I am saying it today. This is not about Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I am doing this in defence of democracy. A democracy where the opposition and civil society can freely associate and express themselves. A democracy where anyone among the opposition leaders can become president, and will become president...we are in deep trouble as a country and as a people. The colonial masters are back in another form. The imperialists are here again through proxies. That’s why they are fighting hard to perpetuate their rule beyond 2026," Lungu in his speech said.

Mini-grids project

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema announced on the sidelines of COP 28 Zambia's initiative of installing mini-grids across the country to tackle energy accessibility issues and stimulate growth in important sectors in the SADC nation. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Zambian government, Rockefeller Foundation and other global organisations. “We are pleased to embark on this transformative journey with the Rockefeller Foundation, the Global Energy Alliance, and Sustainable Energy For All. This initiative symbolizes the power of international partnerships to drive positive change at the local level,” President Hichilema is quoted by the Lusaka Times .

Zambia-French relations

President Hichilema of Zambia held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen relations between the two nations and technical support from the French nation on the sidelines of COP 28. “We appreciate the support that France has provided to Zambia over the years, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership for the benefit of our countries and peoples,” the Zambian President is quoted by the Lusaka Times .